Getting Your Exam on the Calendar
A dental exam works best as a routine habit rather than something you put off, and scheduling one should not be complicated. Sendero Dental Studio welcomes new and returning patients and is glad to help you find a time that works.
Call us at (949) 371-8533 to schedule your visit.
Getting Ready Before You Walk In
A little preparation goes a long way toward a smooth first visit. Bringing the right information helps our team put together an accurate picture of your dental history from the start.
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Identification and Insurance
Bring a valid photo ID and your dental insurance card if you have one, so registration can move quickly.
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Medication List
A current list of medications and dosages helps give your dental team a fuller picture of your health.
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Prior Records or X-rays
If you have previous dental records or recent X-rays, bringing them (or arranging to have them transferred) can sometimes mean imaging does not need to be repeated.
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Previous Dentist Contact Info
If you would like your records transferred from a prior practice, having that contact information on hand helps the process along.
If You Feel Some Nerves About the Visit
Feeling anxious about a dental visit is common, and it is one of the main reasons routine care gets delayed. Letting our team know in advance that you feel anxious allows us to adjust our approach to your visit.
Small steps can help too: bringing headphones for something to listen to during your exam, choosing a morning appointment before anxiety has time to build through the day, and asking questions about what to expect so the process feels less unfamiliar.
What a Comprehensive Exam Actually Covers
A dental cleaning and exam covers more ground than many patients expect. It generally combines a full oral health assessment, diagnostic imaging, a soft tissue evaluation, and a review of your dental history.
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Comprehensive Exam and Oral Cancer Screening
The dentist evaluates each tooth, checks existing restorations, and reviews bite alignment, along with a visual and manual check of the lips, tongue, cheeks, floor of the mouth, and throat, plus the lymph nodes and salivary glands in the head and neck.
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Periodontal Screening and Dental Imaging
Periodontal screening measures the space between teeth and gums at multiple points to check for signs of gum disease progression. Diagnostic X-rays add information a visual exam alone cannot capture, such as bone levels and decay between teeth.
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TMJ Evaluation
A TMJ evaluation checks the jaw joint for clicking, limited range of motion, or tenderness that may suggest dysfunction.
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Prophylaxis (Professional Cleaning)
Prophylaxis removes plaque and calculus from tooth surfaces above and below the gumline, then polishes away surface stains, helping reset the bacterial environment in your mouth.
How Long to Set Aside
A standard checkup and cleaning generally runs 60 to 90 minutes for a new patient, since registration, imaging, and a full first exam take extra time. Established patients with healthy gums and no significant concerns often complete a visit in 45 to 60 minutes, and pediatric exams are typically shorter.
Planning for about 90 minutes as a new patient allows time for registration and a thorough first exam without feeling rushed.
After Your Exam
Once your exam and cleaning are complete, our team will walk you through what was found and discuss any recommended next steps as part of your treatment plan. Contact us with any questions about your visit or about scheduling a follow-up.